Chez Alain Miam Miam Review

Chez Alain Miam Miam is a beloved spot in Le Marais, right next to the Marché des Enfants Rouges, known for serving what many call the best sandwich in Paris.

As a family who enjoys picnicking in parks, we were curious to try this famous sandwich and see if it truly lived up to the hype.

The location

Alain Miam Miam was originally located inside Le Marché des Enfants Rouges but has since moved to a spot just outside, right across the street.

The restaurant is situated in Le Marais, one of Paris’s most vibrant neighborhoods, known for its unique boutiques and cultural landmarks like the Musée Carnavalet, the Musée des Archives Nationales, and Place des Vosges.

The restaurant has a very simple setup, but that’s precisely what makes it so appealing. In a world filled with global chains, flashy branding, and fast food, it’s genuinely refreshing to find a place that doesn’t rely on appearances but focuses on delivering a memorable and authentic experience.

Our experience

We’re used to eating early—usually around 11:30—so arriving ahead of the crowd worked out well, especially since the line can get pretty long. Luckily, placing our order was fast, and the wait for our food wasn’t too long either.

We first heard about this spot on YouTube, where several videos claimed it served the best sandwich in Paris. In those clips, the sandwich looked big and generously filled—but like many reviewers have pointed out, it seems to have fallen victim to shrinkflation since then.

You can choose to eat in or take your sandwich to go, though in my view, most people will likely opt for the latter—it is a sandwich, after all.

My wife, kids, and I chose to walk to Place des Vosges, about 15 minutes from the restaurant. Although the wait felt a bit long on an empty stomach, the reward was well worth it—picnicking in such a stunning park is always a joy.

If you’re looking for a closer option, the garden of the Musée National des Archives is just around the corner and makes for a charming alternative.

The taste

We ordered two sandwiches at €13.50 each, plus a few extra euros for drinks. While the sandwiches had clearly suffered a bit from shrinkflation, the overall value still felt fair.

We went for the full selection of vegetables—lettuce, mushrooms, avocado, onions, and tomatoes. As for the protein, there’s a good variety to choose from: classic cooked or cured ham, pastrami for an extra charge, and smoked beef (cecina), which we opted for. For those craving something different, there’s also smoked trout and spicy chicken on the menu.

They season the vegetables with a touch of salt and pepper, and drizzle them with a bit of extra virgin olive oil. Just a heads-up—this sandwich can get a little messy, as the oil has a tendency to drip, so watch your clothes.

The bread is wonderfully crispy—especially if you choose to have it toasted, which I highly recommend—though it can crumble a bit as you eat.

In terms of flavor, the sandwich strikes a generous yet well-balanced profile. Each ingredient is organic and sourced from quality producers, offering a refreshing contrast to the oversized, frozen-filled offerings of popular fast-food chains. This place is clearly meant for those who appreciate quality ingredients, thoughtful balance, and a generous touch.

I believe their reputation is well deserved—you get five fresh, healthy vegetables paired with quality meat, all tucked into a crispy baguette. It’s the best of both worlds: flavor and nutrition.

Verdict

8.5 out of 10.

Chez Alain Miam Miam serves up delicious French sandwiches that manage to be both healthy and flavorful—a rare combination in itself.

What likely turned this spot into a must-try was the generous size of their sandwiches, which, unfortunately, seems to have diminished noticeably due to inflation, even though the price has stayed the same.

Today, this place is still worth trying, it could even be a regular sandwich to eat to go if you like french food are not scared of waiting in line.